FRISCO, Texas – With Dallas Cowboys’ reserve running back, Rod Smith hitting free agency and the club selecting RB Tony Pollard and RB Mike Weber in the 2019 NFL Draft, it was only a matter of time before the news was announced. The question mark remaining was where? Rod Smith signed with division rival New York Giants and the Smith Bros. era comes to an end in Dallas, where Rod played alongside his younger brother Jaylon.
During his four-year career with the Dallas Cowboys (2015-2018), Smith amassed his first stats in 2017 totaling 55 attempts for 232 rushing yards, a 4.2 average per carry, and four touchdowns. In 2018, No. 45 accumulated 44 attempts for 127 rushing yards, a 7.9 average per carry, and one touchdown.
The 27-year-old will now see his brother twice a year on the gridiron, but this time from the opposing sideline. The two brothers have a close bond and have been each other’s biggest supporters during their three seasons with the Cowboys together. Anytime either of the Smith Bros. made a big play on the field, the other one was not far behind to congratulate and celebrate the other’s accomplishments. A prime example, Jaylon’s 69-yard touchdown run against the Buccaneers where big brother Rod ran the distance along the sideline with Jaylon and was the first face and hug he embraced once he reached the end zone. There is no doubt the two will still be each other’s biggest fans, just not on two Sundays out of the year!
Jaylon remarked on Instagram congratulating his brother Rod, “ To have an older brother like you is one thing. To have a teammate like you was immaculate. I appreciate everything you’ve always done for me, always wanting to grow up and be like you. I was forced to be legit because of you. Thank you big bro. We always said we was gone make our parents proud. And be able to provide for Our family. I was your teammate for these past 3 years finally. Now I get a chance to really smack yo a**! Lol love you big smooth!”
I spoke with Rod at camp on what it is like playing on the same NFL team as Jaylon and he immediately said grinning ear-to-ear, “ It is dope. It’s on of those feelings- just a dream come true. We dreamed about this and you know, playing in the backyard and games, just imagining one day. There was always that age difference, but now we are on the same team and it motivates, me, him, and it is good for the team.”
The Smith Bros. might not both wear a Star anymore, but their brotherly bond knows no bounds! Now they will join the biggest rivalry in all of football, brother against brother: Cowboys vs. Giants. Congratulations to Rod Smith and the best of luck in New York! The two will be gearing up for the season opener in September.
